How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Before he started talking, he looked around quickly to be sure no one who mattered was looking. Ken and Toby didn't believe in talking to girls. Of course, it was all right to make comments at girls—particularly if they were insults—but real conversations were out, at least in public places. (13.1)
Yup, this is the cooties stage of things. Toby and Ken want to join in the Egypt Game, but it would be social suicide to be caught talking to girls at school. First, it would be so out-of-character—not to mention probably get them teased by the rest of the class. When you're eleven, that's about as bad as it gets.
Quote #5
Besides all the other stuff, Toby had also brought some pencils and paper. He said he'd been thinking it over, and he'd decided the first thing they ought to do was finish the alphabet of hieroglyphics the girls had started. (14.5)
Once they get over their social qualms, the boys get really into the Egypt Game. And one of their major contributions: helping the girls complete the hieroglyphic system. This way, they can communicate via hieroglyphics like real ancient Egyptians.
Quote #6
When they had the alphabet all made up, they could memorize it and use it to write secret messages—at school and everyplace. They could write about things like when to meet in Egypt again, and what they thought of the teacher, and all sorts of other private information. (14.8)
The nice thing about creating a whole new system of written language is the ability to secretly discuss plans in plain view. No one else can decipher their notes…not even the teachers.